Conference “BioPhoT – Latvia’s Innovation Launchpad”

On 24 November, the first BioPhoT conference “BioPhoT - Latvia's Innovation Launchpad” will take place. It will introduce the biomedical and photonics industry, science policy makers and the scientific community to the innovation projects launched in Latvia and the future plans of the platform, offer insights into a number of international success stories in the sector, and stimulate expert discussions on the importance of developing innovation in a broader context.

“BioPhoT is not just a project - it's a reform to help Latvia's scientific ideas become products with a real impact on people's lives and the country's economy. Our goal is to create an environment where researchers and entrepreneurs come together to create innovations with exportability and sustainable value,“ says Osvalds Pugovičs, BioPhoT Platform Manager.

The conference will take place on 24 November from 9.00 to 13.30 at the Science and Innovation Centre of Riga Technical University (RTU), Moon Hall. Working language - English. Free registration - https://luma.com/nekvft5h

Representatives of international and Latvian companies, whose scientific ideas have already been turned into commercialised products or who have helped foreign partners to implement their innovations in collaboration with Latvian researchers, will share their success stories at the conference. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) will be represented by Dr. chem. Laura Andže, who leads the OsteoWood project within the BioPhoT framework. The project aims to develop and validate an innovative birch wood–based material for osteosynthesis implants, offering a biologically compatible alternative for patients who cannot tolerate traditional metal implants (such as titanium or steel). Approximately 2–5% of patients suffer from allergic reactions or metal intolerance, and this project offers a solution specifically for these cases.

The OsteoWood team is developing partially delignified, densified, and mechanically durable birch wood samples impregnated with oligochitosan to improve biocompatibility and shape stability. The material will be advanced to Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL3) through microscopic structural analysis, mechanical testing, and cell compatibility studies under laboratory conditions.

This niche biomaterial solution has not yet been widely explored globally, and its potential lies in future export and medical innovation pathways based on Latvia’s renewable resources and the high-level competence of its wood chemistry research.

The project is implemented by a joint research team from the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis: Laura Andže, Vadims Ņefjodovs, Mārtiņš Andžs, Juris Zoldners, Sigvards Krongorns, Ulla Milbreta, Antons Sizovs, and Mārīte Škute.

Special guests -Scott L. Dax, former  CerSci Therapeutics Scientific Director, will present on how innovation is driven by “Build-to-Buy” a strategy for biotechnology, one of the world's leadingartglass manufacturers, Latvian company Ltd. Groglass, as well as Ltd. Cellbox Labs - a company developing new solutions in cell biotechnology using innovative microfluidics solutions.

At the conference, everyone will have the opportunity to get to know the first 40 research and innovation projects (RIPs) that have been funded by the BioPhoT platform. These include innovative approaches to sepsis, cancer and infection diagnostics, new devices, sensors and diagnostics, fibre optic sensors, fluorescent coatings and infrared spectroscopy, innovative biomaterials and sustainable composites, as well as PIPs related to environmental and energy topics. The best posters in the categories “Biomedicine” and “Photonics” will be awarded.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear the Central Statistical Office (CSO) report “CSO - a source of valuable data - opportunities and challenges”, which will show how data can become a resource for the development of new products and services. The programme also includes presentations by Normunds Bergs, President of the Latvian Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry Association, and Vitālijs Skrīvelis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association.

The project “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products” (BioPhoT) is implemented within the long-term national research program “Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Program”, funded by the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia. Platform number: IVPP-EM-Inovācija-2024/1-0002.